Layers of Us

Chapter 84: Mumbai Calling 📞

11 Months Later —

The boardroom was filled with applause as the quarterly results presentation came to a close.

Tripura nodded at her team, her face calm and composed. Another meeting wrapped up successfully.

She gathered her planner and walked out of the boardroom, her team greeting her with admiration and smiles. Her presence had become stronger, more radiant over these eleven months.

Walking into her cabin, she placed her leather-bound planner on the desk, took a breath, and sat down. Her assistant left her coffee on the table silently, sensing she needed a moment.

Tripura opened her laptop, eyes scanning the schedule for the rest of the day, mentally preparing for the pile of work ahead.

Just then, her laptop pinged.
A video call request.

She looked at the name and instantly, her face bloomed with a soft, warm smile.
Palash.

Without hesitation, she clicked accept.
The screen lit up with Palash’s grinning face.

“Hey princess!” he said, giving her his signature wink.

Tripura laughed gently, leaning back in her chair.
“Hey handsome! What’s up? Don’t tell me you’re finally taking a day off.”

Palash chuckled.
“Oh, you wound me! I’m very hardworking these days.”

She smirked, resting her chin on her palm.
“Sure, sure. Workaholic Palash. That’s a headline I’ll believe when pigs fly.”

Palash laughed, dramatically clutching his chest. “Your words cut deep, Tipsy. Truly. But let me restore your faith in miracles because…” He paused with a flourish. “The project’s finally complete.”

Tripura’s eyes lit up, her teasing expression softening into something proud and genuine. “Palash… that’s amazing. Is everything wrapped up?”

He nodded eagerly. “Every corner. Every detail. The board’s thrilled, the clients are ecstatic, and I—well, I’ve only aged 5 years in the process.”

Tripura chuckled, her eyes crinkling. “But you pulled it off.”

“We pulled it off,” he corrected, his voice softer now. You, me, and Ram—who would've thought we’d make such a killer team, huh?”

Tripura’s lips curved into a polite, bittersweet smile. She didn’t answer.

He nodded eagerly. “But more importantly, the official inaugural is in three days. You’re coming, right?”

Tripura leaned back slightly, her tone more hesitant now. “Is it absolutely necessary for me to be there?”

Palash blinked, then his expression turned more serious. “Tipsy… you’re the main pillar of this deal. Media, clients, partners—everyone will be looking for you. You didn’t just sign papers, you shaped this project. We did it together, but you—your presence matters more than you think.”

She held his gaze for a long moment. Then, slowly, she nodded. “Alright. I’ll come.”

Palash grinned, satisfied. “Now that’s the spirit."